The Illinois State Police says it will work with the public and local law enforcement in order to enforce Governor JB Pritzker’s stay at home executive order.

“The ISP will act as community caretakers working to educate citizens and businesses about the shelter at home and essential business only provisions of the Executive Order and urge voluntary compliance. Local law enforcement and county health departments will typically be on the front lines of this mission which is geared toward ensuring public safety. While the goal is voluntary compliance, citizens should be aware that non-compliance with the Executive Order can result in criminal and civil sanctions,” said an Illinois State Police spokesperson.”

How will this Stay at Home Order be enforced?

Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in your community. Illinois State Police will work with local law enforcement to enforce this order but adhering to the order will save lives and it is the responsibility of every Illinoisan to do their part. Law enforcement is more likely to intervene if they witness or receive reports of:

• Crowds of people gathering, especially if packed closely together or not social distancing
• Flagrant violation – such as a bar or restaurant having a room full of customers eating in, or a movie theater continuing to operate
• Employees being asked to report to work in-person where the business is not supposed to be open or appropriate social distancing precautions are not taking place

Here are the incremental steps of enforcement of the stay at home order:

• Education about the order
• Verbal or written notice to comply
• Possible sanction from regulatory authorities that may oversee non-essential activity
• Civil liability
• Court ordered closure or quarantine
• Criminal charges